Emily Williams:

Emily Williams is starting her 3rd season as a violinist for the MSO. You can usually find her seated in the 2nd violin section–a position she particularly enjoys. “We put in a lot of hard work, but we have fun. We love each other and what we do. This is a wonderful orchestra to be a part of!”

Emily’s love for orchestral playing started early on during her elementary school years. She grew up on Long Island where her parents introduced her to the string family through the Suzuki program in her school. She was given the choice between violin and cello–liking small things, she chose the violin. She began taking group and private lessons at age 4. Her favorite class in school was string orchestra.

Daily practicing was a family affair: her Dad took time out each evening to practice with her, and her Mom would practice with her younger brother. She attributes much of her success as a violinist to her parents, who although they are not musicians, saw the value in making sure their children studied an instrument through High School. She soon transitioned to traditional private lessons and began more dedicated study under the tutelage of violinist Linda Sinanian during her middle school years.

It was Linda who encouraged Emily to major in music. Emily attended Cedarville University in OH and earned her BA in Violin Performance in 2004. She continued her studies at the University of Akron under violinist Alan Bodman and earned a MM in Violin Performance in 2007. It was here that she met her husband, Benjamin Williams.

Ben and Emily currently reside in Clinton MS. They are both on faculty at Mississippi College where Ben teaches composition and theory and Emily teaches violin. Emily also runs her own violin studio out of their home. Emily has a special passion for teaching and is dedicated to giving students of all ages and ability levels a solid foundation in violin or viola.

Emily gives all the glory for her achievements to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “He gave me the ability, the work ethic, the resources and the opportunities I’ve needed every step of the way, and I am ever grateful to Him that I get to do what I enjoy every day for a living.”

In her spare time Emily enjoys reading, Bible study, cooking, baking and cuddling with her two cats. She and her husband are active members at First Baptist Church Jackson and enjoying serving the Lord there together.